Solar Panel Quality

[NM]

Having done a bit of research I have been scared off flexible panels due to the issues many have had with life expectancy. Whilst I would like the weight saving aloft and understand that the overheating issue can be overcome to some extent by mounting them on something like 10mm Corex I think for the 15kg I would likely save over 3 x 175W panels I'm probably best going solid.

My issue is the width of the roof and the fact that I want a roof mounted awning on the door side, two roof vents and a roof rack, The max length I can go to is around 1350mm. Exact dimension to be established at the weekend when the van turns up.

Renogy make a 175W monocrystaline solid panel that is 1326mm long and I think would be the perfect fit. What experience do people have with the Renogy panels (as opposed to their charge controllers or batteries)? Are they a good quality product or would you steer me towards something else?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Two on Tour]

I wanted to fit a couple of solar panels on our van but wanted to save some weight over the back axle, so I bought two semi-flexible panels and bonded them on lightweight multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheet which gives stiffness to the panel and also allows airflow to dissipate heat away from the panels.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/10mm-Clear-Multiwall-Polycarbonate-Sheet-2000mm/p/9000261439

 

[Jev88]

Nice idea just above.
Renogy are an established brand. I have used Ecoworthy too.
Bimble Solar (or bumble?) have some unusually sized panels and are great prices.

 

[mitzimad]

remember if your using the plastic mounting blocks the stick out approx50 each the alternative is to use alluminium angle 2x2 and put the piece to the roof under the panel